Chicago father of 3 shot to death in kitchen was aspiring cop

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Police are still looking for clues in the murder of a 32-year-old father of three found shot to death in his Southwest Side home last week.

Arian Smith's body was discovered on the kitchen floor of his home in the 3800-block of W. 84th Place in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood on September 27.

Relatives said Smith was a father who was working toward becoming a Chicago police officer. His life revolved around his three young children - ages 6, 3 and 2. He remained their primary caretaker after splitting up with their mother.

"He spent from Sunday evening to Friday with his kids. His life was centered around them," his brother Kenneth Smith said.

Arian's older brother and other family members are now trying to figure out childcare arrangements after Arian was murdered. Officers found him in the kitchen with a gunshot wound to his head. Investigators said there were no signs of forced entry.

The crime has stunned and devastated his family.

"I'm just putting my faith and trust in the police officers that they're really going to find out what happened to my brother," Kenneth Smith said.

According to his family, smith doted on his children. Now, they are asking tough questions about what happened to their father.

"You really don't know how to respond. You know, 'When's daddy coming home from work? When is he gonna pick us up?'" Kenneth Smith said.

Family members said Arian Smith was fun-loving, enjoyed life and recently went skydiving. He also wanted a better life for his family. He was on his way to becoming a Chicago police officer after passing the written and physical exams.

"He was someone - even though I was the older brother - I looked up to him because a lot of things he did, I wish I would be able to do," Kenneth Smith said.

Chicago police continue to investigate. They encourage anyone with information about what happened to contact them.